4 answers
Samuel
Student
Grafton, Ohio
5
Questions
Asked
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if I want to become a computer programmer, where should i start?
I am a junior in high school and I really enjoy programming a lot. I know some python and a bit of c++ and am planning on learning even more
#computer-programming
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4 answers
David Lee
Actuary
52
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
David’s Answer
As a junior you can start researching fields of study in college. Computer science is a broad umbrella, but within that there are areas you might want to focus on. Data science has become hot in the job market these days, it's not strictly programming but is often lumped into that department.
On your own, you might want to continue building your skills at problem solving, debugging, and integrating other skills like database skills, graphics, gameplay mechanics, or data science stuff.
You might even want to try your hand at developing a Roblox game (dev tools are free if you know where to look) or Minecraft for Java mod (the game itself is not free).
On your own, you might want to continue building your skills at problem solving, debugging, and integrating other skills like database skills, graphics, gameplay mechanics, or data science stuff.
You might even want to try your hand at developing a Roblox game (dev tools are free if you know where to look) or Minecraft for Java mod (the game itself is not free).
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1817
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
The best thing is you can start with doing your own programming.
There are many different types of programming, e.g. Web Page, Apps, ERP, System Programming, etc. You may need to find out more what you are interested on. You may have more explore when you entering the college.
However, you can start doing some relative simple programming, e.g. using Scratch to control some robot device, Python, etc. You can also try to do programming on games interface as well. It may be interested you.
When you enter the college, you will learn more on computing theory and have explore of different kinds of programming. At that time, you can find out more on different programming types and decide your career path.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
There are many different types of programming, e.g. Web Page, Apps, ERP, System Programming, etc. You may need to find out more what you are interested on. You may have more explore when you entering the college.
However, you can start doing some relative simple programming, e.g. using Scratch to control some robot device, Python, etc. You can also try to do programming on games interface as well. It may be interested you.
When you enter the college, you will learn more on computing theory and have explore of different kinds of programming. At that time, you can find out more on different programming types and decide your career path.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Geoffrey Goldberg
Legal Technologist
23
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Geoffrey’s Answer
Sounds like it time to start building something. It's the best way to learn. Try to think of a small but interesting problem to solve. it doesn't have to be super unique or something that's never been done before. The idea here is to apply what you know to building an end to end solution.
Michael Salmon
Distinguished Engineer
1
Answer
Berlin, Germany
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Sam,
Python and C++ are great starting points, and there's a good chance they will be in professional use for years to come also. Neither are a bad choice, Python being the more standard learner language these days.
Becoming strong in a programming language is not always fast, but going through a course is generally recommended (e.g. udemy) because it will ground you in the fundamentals and at the same time help you apply the skills through coding exercises. It's a marathon not a sprint. Going straight to trying to build end-to-end solutions as other ppl have recommended is OK, but be thoughtful that you are really giving yourself time to learn at least 1 language deeply.
In the end what's important is to the learning process, and finding an area that generally interests you to get under the hood is a good strategy to stay motivated. When I say "area", I mean for example web development, mobile apps, graphics, audio, data, ... the list goes on and on. The point is each area is usually stronger with certain languages. And even if you don't know for sure, that's completely OK, python is
Best of luck
Michael
Python and C++ are great starting points, and there's a good chance they will be in professional use for years to come also. Neither are a bad choice, Python being the more standard learner language these days.
Becoming strong in a programming language is not always fast, but going through a course is generally recommended (e.g. udemy) because it will ground you in the fundamentals and at the same time help you apply the skills through coding exercises. It's a marathon not a sprint. Going straight to trying to build end-to-end solutions as other ppl have recommended is OK, but be thoughtful that you are really giving yourself time to learn at least 1 language deeply.
In the end what's important is to the learning process, and finding an area that generally interests you to get under the hood is a good strategy to stay motivated. When I say "area", I mean for example web development, mobile apps, graphics, audio, data, ... the list goes on and on. The point is each area is usually stronger with certain languages. And even if you don't know for sure, that's completely OK, python is
Best of luck
Michael